Too good 



to throw away ! 



)t^ 




■ «***3b»»^>; 




* \J 






MASON, CHAPIN & CO., 
Providence, R. I. 



FIRST EDITION, 1894, COPYRIGHT. 



Chemical Compound 
Fertilizers. 



"$25. Against $110." 

A. P. Pomroy, Suffield, Conn., writes: 

Your agent, Mr. Bruck, called upon me to-day to investigate the growth of my tobacco. I 
took him into the field and showed him several acres. I called his attention to a half acre 
where I used your fertilizer. I never saw such good color, the size and weight as good as on 
the same soil where I put 

1 200 lbs cotton meal 

300 " plaster 

800 " Canada wood ashes 

15 cords manure 
costing in all about $110. against yours for $25. Never in my experience have I raised tobacco 
costing me so little money. You have the right article for raising tobacco. I will use it next 
year. 

You may add to this letter a good average of seventeen large-size leaves on every stock. 



" Proper article for a large crop of Potatoes." 

From Dell Oliver, Perham, Me. 

I beg leave to say the Chemical Potato Fertilizer bought of yaur agents, Messrs. Goodwin & 
Barton, proved to be the best I ever used. I could see an advance in growth over several 
other Commercial Fertilizers that my neighbors were using. When I dug my potatoes they 
were larger than they were when I used other makes of fertilizers, and fully one-third more 
in quantity. 

I shall use the Chemical Fertilizer again, and recommend it to my neighbors, as I am satis- 
fied it is the proper article to grow a large crop of potatoes with, and much cheaper than 
other Brands. 



General Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., 

PROVIDENCE, R. I. 



A USEFUL AND INSTRUCTIVE BOOK 
FOR FARMERS. 



The Chemistry of Farming. 



ISSUED BY 



The Chemical Compound Fertilizer Co., 

Works at Providence, R. I. and Dighton, Mass. 
Experimental Farm, Coventry, R. I. 



Office, S3 Canal Street, Providence, R. I. 



GENERAL AGENTS, 

MASON, CHAPIN & CO.? ^^^ 

Providence, R. I., Boston, Mass., New York, N. Y. 



FOR SALE BY 






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The Chemical Compound Fertilizers. 



Their Special Features. 



We are offering to farmers a series of fertilizers having many special qualities 
which will commend themselves. 

First. In the first place, they are clean and agreeable to handle. Some ferti- 
lizers are so offensive in odor that it is impracticable to keep them in a clean 
storehouse with other goods. Ours are sweet and clean. They contain no gross, 
filthy, or inferior materials. They will not impart an offensive odor or be otherwise 
injurious to other goods stored in the same place. 

In our fertilizers we use no leather waste or chippings, wool waste, cuttings of 
buttons, horns, or any such low grade and worthless materials. 

Second. Our fertilizers are dry, and thoroughly pulverized, so that they may be 
readily distributed on the soil. They are easy of application. 

Third. They contain the elements of plant food in a soluble and available 
form, and as such will be found to promptly and immediately stimulate the growth 
of the crops. 

Fourth. Now note the following : and by reason of other inventions of our 
own, the components of our fertilizers are combined in such a way as to develop 
the capacity of the soil itself : that is, they unlock the valuable materials in the 
soil so as to make them available for plant food. Take notice of this feature, 
because it is a special characteristic of the articles we manufacture. Our ferti- 
lizers differ from all others known to us, in these special advantages, and they 
constitute an important feature. The exact method or the exact way in which 

From a prominent distributer and. large manufacturer of 
Potato starch, in Maine. 

From John Watson, Houlton, Me. Jobber and Retailer of Hardware and Cutlery, and 
Manufacturer of Potato Starch. Mills at Houlton, Smyrna, New Limerick, Monticello, Me. 

In reply to your inquiry on the Chemical Potato Fertilizer sent to me to be placed on its 
merits with my customers, it has earned a reputation that has proven it to be the right article 
for our soil. It takes from 50 to 75 per cent, less than all other Commercial Fertilizers, less 
trouble and cleaner to handle, also a saving in freight and labor for the farmer to apply it on 
his farm. 

Another pleasing feature; being perfectly odorless will make it a favorite. 

The reports I received were from honest and reliable men who have bought goods of me 
for years, and they all claim it has given them the growth and quality, and costs less per acre 
than any other fertilizer on the market. 

I want the agency of your Fertilizer for Houlton and neighboring towns, and hope to be 
favored with the same. 



4 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

this is accomplished, is a secret of great value to us and which we do not propose 
to give away to the public. 

Fifth. Our fertilizers are to be applied in the ordinary manner, only the 
amount we ordinarily recommend is one thousand pounds per acre, without stable 
manure. But our fertilizers will blend with others; indeed, they will develop the 
fertilizing substances in stable manure so as to make it more valuable and effi- 
cient. Our fertilizers are not for use in hill and drill ; they are to be spread 
broadcast and harrowed in. 

Sixth. The farmer can no longer work in the dark, trusting to luck to raise a 
crop. He must have some knowledge of the laws of chemistry, and must furnish 
his crops that chemical food which experiment has shown is necessary to them. 
With a view of giving him some points or suggestions with respect to chemical 
terms and substances, we have prepared a useful though brief treatise on chem- 
istry which we hope will be of service, and which is embodied in this pamphlet. 

Experiment Stations. For a long time experiment stations have been 
carried on in Germany to the great advantage of farmers all over the world. 
The Congress of the United States makes annual grants for carrying on agricul- 
tural experiment stations in this country. This is the proper thing. Absolutely 
the only way of determining the value of agricultural materials is to try them on 
growing plants. This is what the experiment stations do. They lay out a series 
of plots or gardens. They fertilize these gardens with one substance or another 
for trial. Then they observe how the different crops flourish on these plots. 
Noting the results at the end of the season, they learn that a certain chemical 
substance is favorable to a certain crop. This is exactly what the intelligent 
farmer should do. Trying a certain amount of one fertilizer or another upon 
his different farm plots, he can see as the season advances which fertilizer does 
the best work. 

This is just what we have done. We have established an experimental farm 
and experiment station, and we have tried various fertilizing substances offered in 
the market, with a view of determining their value in stimulating plant growth. 

Moreover, outside of our private experiment station, a large number of farmers 

*« Cheapest Tobacco Grower Ever Used. " 

John Cain, Suffield, Conn., writes: 

Your Tobacco Fertilizer has done its work so well that I shall surely use it again next year. 
It is the cheapest tobacco grower I ever used. 

" Took one-third the amount, and worked much better." 

Mrs. R. A.Bagg, West Springfield, Mass., Writes: 

I have used it on cabbage, corn, and onions, and liked it much better than the 



Fertilizers. It took only one-third the amount, and worked much better on the com than 
the . I have also used it on the cabbage, which is doing well. I shall recom- 
mend its use another year. 



Gen. Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., Providence, R. I. 5 

have used our goods and have reported to us. This gives us in effect a series of 
experiment stations in a sort of co-operative way. Of course, the results repre- 
sent a large series of trials by different farmers on different crops and on different 
soils. Plainly the favorable effects reported are substantial grounds showing the 
value of our goods. 

What our fertilizer will accomplish as respects quality and quan- 
tity of crop and as respects the cost to the farmer to produce results 
is better shown by the testimonials of the users (shown in this book) 
than by any words we can add. 



" Never Raised Nicer Carrots, Turnips and Corn. " 

Carl Larsen, Gardener, East Hartford, Conn., writes: 

Your fertilizers for garden purposes are the most valuable I ever used. I never raised nicer 
carrots and turnips, and especially my corn ; the largest crop ever raised. I will certainly use 
the same fertilizer next year, only more of it. Use my name if you wish, indorsing your ferti- 
lizers. 

" 5 Tons Beets Per Acre With 600 lbs. Fertilizer Per Acre." 
"Corn, Thirteen to Fourteen Feet High." 

From Hon. F. S. Stevens, Swansea, Mass. 

In reply to your inquiry regarding your Chemical Compound Fertilizer I have sent you six 
Mangles Beets grown with it. This will show you the size, color and weight much better than 
I can write you. Those I send you will weigh twenty-five and one-half to twenty-six pounds 
each. I have several acres which will average fifteen pounds apiece. 

I used only 1200 pounds of this fertilizer for two acres, and in my life's experience as a 
farmer I never raised or have seen such large beets. It is a beautiful sight to see them in the 
field. They are attracting much attention, having grown as much as thirty-six inches out of 
the ground. I think the two acres will weigh from nine to ten tons. 

Now in regard to the Corn Fertilizer, I can safely say that the ears are as heavy and large 
as ever raised in this town ; stalks from thirteen to fourteen feet high. I am more than pleased 
with the results. I can say that it is the best corn producer I ever used. I shall use it again 
as it is much cheaper than the ordinary Commercial Fertilizer, and much cleaner to use, as i 
is perfectly odorless. 



Points for the Farmer. 



Matter and Energy. Any substance that can be weighed, whether solid r 
liquid, or gas, is a form of matter ; but scientific men nowadays deal also with 
forms of energy, like heat, light, and electricity. The word energy is used by 
scientific men to express a certain idea which is not easily explained without 
an elaborate definition. A simple illustration, however, will be of service. A 
given piece of copper wire contains a certain amount of matter. Speaking gen- 
erally, the amount of matter may be determined by weighing the wire. If this 
wire is charged with electricity, it is then supplied with a certain amount of 
energy. Its quantity of matter is not increased, for electricity is not matter. The 
scientific men say ; the copper has been furnished with a certain quantity of 
energy. 

Elements and Compounds. While there are a great many kinds of mat- 
ter known in the world, they are all capable of being classified into two groups, 
elements and compounds. 

An Element, is a kind of matter that has not yet been decomposed or split 
up into parts of different kinds. Thus the yellow substance known as sulphur 
or brimstone, has not been decomposed into anything but sulphur. 

A Compound, is a substance that has been, by one means or another, 
decomposed or split up into matter of different kinds. The substance known as 
sulphuric acid or oil of vitriol, is composed of a certain proportion of water and a 
certain proportion of true sulphuric acid. Now the water is a compound and 
the true sulphuric acid is a compound. Water is expressed by the chemist by 
the formula H 3 O (stated, H two O) ; and true sulphuric acid is expressed 
by the chemist, H 2 S O 4 (stated H two S O four). Now the formula of water, 
H ., O, designates that a single small portion of water is made up of two atoms 
of hydrogen (expressed by H 3 ) and one atom of oxygen (expressed by O) ; and 
a single very minute portion of sulphuric acid is made up of two atoms of 
hydrogen (expressed by H 2 ), one atom of sulphur (expressed by S), and 
four atoms of oxygen (expressed by 4 .) 

«' You have the right crop producer." 

From C. W. McCormack, Ashland, Me. 

I have used the Chemical Potato Fertilizer both on my potatoes and beans, and have found 
it to work satisfactorily. I am satisfied you have the right crop producer, and shall use it 
again in preference to all others. 

Wants the Agency. 

F. S. Bidwell, Windsor Locks, Conn., Writes: 

The reports coming in from the car of your fertilizer distributed to some of my best custom- 
ers on its merits, are so favorable that I have decided to ask for the agency for the next year 
for the towns of Windsor Locks, East Windsor, Sufheld, and East Granby Conn. 



Gen. Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., Providence, R.I. 7 

Important Elements. While chemists know about seventy different ele- 
ments, a great many of these are mere curiosities. Those that need to be con- 
sidered in agricultural chemistry are only about a dozen. They are the following 
(fourteen in number) : 

Hydrogen, H 

Carbon, C 

Nitrogen, N 

Oxygen, O 

Sodium, Na 

Magnesium, Mg 

Aluminum, Al 

Silicon, Si 

Phosphorus, P 

Sulphur, S 

Chlorine, CI 

Potassium, K 

Calcium, Ca 

Iron, Fe 
These will be discussed, and their relations to agriculture more fully shown a 
little later. 

Mixture and Compound. The chemist makes a distinction in using these 
words. The term mixture is applied to a mass of substances produced by 
merely stirring up, or grinding up, two or more substances together. Thus sand 
and sugar may be mixed by grinding together ; but no chemical compound is 
formed by this treatment. 

In a chemical compound two or more substances have united in a very curious 
and remarkable way. Common salt, called by the chemists sodium chloride, Na 
CI, is a chemical compound of a metal, sodium, and a gas, chlorine. Sodium is 
a soft silvery metal which takes fire when thrown on water. The chlorine is a 
greenish gas. But when these two things unite, common salt is produced. The 
sodium loses most of its properties and the chlorine loses most of its. These 
statements illustrate one of the features of chemical union ; namely, when indi- 
vidual chemical elements unite to form a cotnpound, the qualities of the com- 
pound are often very different indeed from those of the elements composing it. 

" Better Than Any Other on Onions and Celery. " 

Robert Niven, Providence. R. I., writes: 

I beg to advise that I have used your fertilizer on onions and celery, and can say in the 
light of my past experience, which embraces the use of many other fertilizers on the same and 
other crops, that yours has done better work than any that I have ever used, carrying the crops 
through better, and apparently lasting longer before being exhausted than has been my experi- 
ence with the other fertilizers that I have heretofore used. 



8 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

" Gives Size, Weight, and. Color, in Tobacco. " 

L. 0. Pomeroy, Suffield, Conn., writes : 

In reply to your inquiry on the chemical tobacco fertilizer, I wish to say that it has proved to 
me the cheapest fertilizer ever used on my soil for tobacco. It has given me the size, 
weight, and color. I shall surely use it again and recommend the same to others. 

" Liked it as Well as Any Ever Used. " 

R. P. Mather, Suffield, Conn., writes: 

Your chemical fertilizer worked very satisfactorily on my corn. I liked it as well as any I 
ever used. 

Plants. If a plant is thoroughly cleansed from all adhering soil and then 
tested by the chemist, it is found to be made up of a great many different com- 
pounds. If these compounds are further thoroughly tested and decomposed, 
they are found to be made up of a comparatively small number of elements. 
The elements found are scarcely more numerous than the fourteen just men- 
tioned. 

The growing plant secures the matter which helps to make it increase in size 
and weight from two principal sources ; namely, from the atmospheric air and 
from the soil. From the atmospheric air it may take up carbonic gas, C 3 
(composed of carbon and oxygen) ; from the soil it may take up compounds of 
various kinds made from the elements previously listed, and it may also take up 
water. 

The plant is spoken of in a general way as composed of vegetable or organic 
parts and of mineral or inorganic parts. The vegetable parts are those which 
may be burned up, turned into gas, driven off into the atmosphere, when the 
plant is heated in a red hot crucible or dish of some sort. The mineral parts or 
inorganic parts, are, generally speaking, those that remain in the ashes when all 
the more purely vegetable parts are expelled by burning. 

The vegetable parts of the plant consists namely of compounds containing 
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and small amounts of nitrogen and very minute 
amount of sulphur and may be phosphorus. (Sometimes phosphorus remains in 
combination in the ashes.) 

The ashes of plants are made up of compounds containing oxygen, sodium, 
magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, potassium calcium 
and iron. But these substances do not exist in the ashes, separate one from 
another. They usually exist, combined as compounds. Thus silicon and oxygen 
exist either in the combined form as silicon oxide, Si0 3 , or some more 
complex compound. So the potassium, sodium, calcium and iron, generally 
exist, as some complex compounds, containing oxygen, and maybe, other 
elements. 

The ashes of a plant usually contain substances that the plant has drawn as a 
kind of food, from the soil. 



Gen. Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., Providence, R. I. 9 

" Finest Field of Corn Ever Raised in This Town." 

Charles Hathaway, Windsor Locks, Conn., writes: 

I can claim the finest field of corn ever raised in this town. It will average ten feet high, 
and many stalks twelve to fourteen feet high. This corn field, standing near the road, seems 
to attract much attention, owing to the large-sized ears. My tobacco is also doing well, crop 
much larger than last year. I shall use your fertilizer again next year. 

Soils. Soils are generally made up of compounds. While these compounds 
are varied and numerous, they generally contain oxygen, silicon, calcium, 
magnesium and several other elements, already mentioned. These are mineral 
compounds. Soils also contain organic compounds derived from the vegetables 
and animals, (these being the only things in nature that contain true organs.) 

The fertility of a soil depends upon the substances it contains, and also upon 
the form or way in which these substances exist. 

First, if the soil contains those substances that are specially valuable, as plant 
food, the soil thereby is rendered more fertile. Second, if the substances just 
mentioned are in a form readily soluble in water, they are better adapted to be 
quickly absorbed by the plant ; thus, also, the soil is more apt to be fertile. 

For example, a given soil might contain a considerable quantity of rock 
phosphate of lime. This is a valuable plant food, but while it is in the rock form, 
it does not dissolve readily in water. Thus it is not easily and quickly brought in 
favorable form to the plant for absorption. On the other hand, if a similar amount 
of rock phosphate of lime is pulverized and then treated with sulphuric acid, its 
phosphate is thereby rendered much easier soluble in water. If such soluble 
phosphate is brought in contact with the rootlets of a plant, the plant drinks it 
in — dissolved in the water of the soil — and thus the plant is quickly nourished. 

Relative Abundance of Plant Foods. Some substances exist in almost 
all soils in great abundance. While these may be plant foods, they are so 
abundant that the crops do not exhaust the supply, and thus they do not have 
to be furnished by the farmer ; for example, compounds of silicon containing 
oxygen and other substances, are abundant in almost all soils. The farmer, 
therefore, does not have to add them ; but compounds of phosphorus, of potas- 
sium and of nitrogen, are not abundant in soils, and they are easily exhausted by 
the repeated croppings ; yet they are very important plant foods. It is therefore 
highly desirable to furnish them to the soil, artificially. This helps to explain 
why manures and fertilizers must generally be furnished. 

Distribution of Elementary Substances in the Plant. With a few 
exceptions, any compound which, while being soluble in water, contains nitrogen 
or phosphorus or potassium, is found to stimulate the growth of the plant. 
When such compounds are placed upon soil, around growing plants, the general 
appearance of the plants is very much improved. They grow taller and fuller 
than similar plants, on the same soil, which are not fed in the way stated. 

But in this connection there is another very important point. Compounds of 



10 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

the three elements mentioned, (phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen), are needed to 
a notable extent by the more valuable and important portions of the plant. 
Thus the fruit of corn and wheat, for example, contains more nitrogen and 
phosphorus, proportionally, than the stalks do. Again, in the case of forest trees, 
the leaves contain proportionally, more potassium than the wood. Now the fruit 
of a plant, and its leaves also, are relatively higher in the scale of being, are in a 
certain sense, more important members, than are the wood and the stalk. So 
then the fertilizing substances, already referred to, are of value, first, in promoting 
the general growth ; and second, in contributing to the more important organs of 
the plant. 

Developing the Efficiency of the Soil. Certain fertilizers not contain- 
ing potassium, phosphorus, or nitrogen, may increase the fertility of a soil by 
making that soil more efficient. These fertilizers may overcome certain defec- 
tive conditions of the soil. They may open it or lighten it. They may render 
soluble certain valuable mineral matters which are in the soil, but are not very 
available because lumpy or insoluble. They may promote decomposition of animal 
or vegetable matters existing in the soil, thus favoring their absorption by the plant. 

Bacteria. Of late, scientific men have accepted the belief that the air, most 
liquids and the surfaces of most solids, contain large numbers of microscopic 
vegetables. Some of these minute vegetables have been named and classified. 
Without going into details, however, they have in general been called microbes 
or bacteria or bacilli. (A single one might be called a microbe, a bacterium, a 
bacillus.) The microbes may be killed by certain processes, such as highly 
heating, strongly cooling or freezing, and the application of certain chemical 
substances that poison them. (One of the best of these poisons is the substance 
called corrosive sublimate or mercuric chloride, Hg CU). Some kinds of bac- 
teria are wholesome and useful, while some are injurious. Some of the good 
ones aid in processes like animal digestion, ripening of cream and of cheese and 
certain fermentations. Others when introduced into the animal system, produce 
special diseases, like typhoid fever, consumption, cholera. Certain bacteria 
contribute much to the decay of animal matters in the soil, whereby these 
matters become useful and appropriate foods for plants. 

" First Class Tobacco Grower. " 

E. D. Treat, East Hartford, Conn., writes: 

I have used your Chemical Tobacco Fertilizer. I can endorse it as a first class tobacco grower. 
I have as good a crop as ever raised in East Hartford, and much cheaper, costing only $25. 
per acre, against $60. per acre. I shall use it another year. Use my name as a reference. 

** Much Cheaper Per Acre. " 

Arthur Lightfoot, Ware House Point, writes : 

Your tobacco fertilizer I gave a fair trial in connection with cotton seed meal and cotton 
hull ashes, side by side, and the growth is equally as large as the other in every respect, the 
color good; and I claim it much cheaper per acre, as the other fertilizer cost me $59. per acre 
against yours for $25. 



Certain Terms Explained. 

Soluble. — Practically every substance known is soluble in some liquid or 
other, but when chemists use the words soluble and insoluble, they mean that a 
portion of a given solid dissolves completely, or else fails to dissolve in a moder- 
ate amaunt of water. Thus sugar and salt dissolve in a moderate amount of 
water ; but glass, even when powdered, does not dissolve in a moderate amount 
of water. At ordinary temperatures a pound of sugar will dissolve completely in 
one-half pound of water, and a pound of common salt will dissolve in about three 
pounds of water ; but a pound of powdered glass may require for its complete 
solution at least 100,000 pounds of water. So also ground bone, which consists 
largely of calcium phosphate (phosphate of lime) demands a very large amount 
of water for solution ; but after bone has been changed into what is called acid 
calcium phosphate (acid phosphate of lime) it is very much more soluble in water 
than before. 

Many substances that are practically insoluble in water are readily soluble 
in acids. 

Chemical Names. In chemistry the same substance may have several 
different names. Thus a certain liquid used in chemistry is called both sulphuric 
acid and oil of vitriol. Another liquid is called both muriatic acid and hydro- 
chloric acid. Moreover, both these substances have yet other names more rarely 
used. 

Acid Anhydride. Most of the non-metals of the chemist may combine 
with oxygen in one or more proportions and thereby produce one or more acid 
anhydrides. Thus, sulphur is a non-metal. It combines with oxygen, forming a 
compound called sulphur trioxide (having the formula S0 3 ) also called sulphuric 
anhydride ; and it is an acid anhydride. 

Acid. Most acid anhydrides may combine directly with water. When they 
do so, they form new chemical compounds called acids. Thus, sulphuric anhy- 
dride, S0 3 , may combine with water, H 2 0, and thus form sulphuric acid, H 2 S0 4 . 

Salt. Most acids may act directly on most of the metals of the chemist and 

*' Kept Grasshoppers off my Land. " 

Robert Coulson, Suffield, Conn., writes : 

Your Chemical Tobacco Fertilizer which I bought from your agent, I can truthfully say has 
done its work well, and much better than I expected, especially on turf soil which had not been 
ploughed in five years. The fertilizer has turned the ground dark, similar to a loam ; it loos- 
ened up the soil and proved very beneficial to my tobacco. This has been a very remarkably 
dry season and it has given your fertilizer a very severe test. It has given me the best crop of 
tobacco I ever raised, good color, a large leaf, I also noticed another good feature of your 
chemical fertilizer. It has kept grasshoppers off my land where it was used. I shall surely 
use it again next year. 



12 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

thus produce chemical compounds called salts ; but when such action takes 
place, the metal in question displaces or drives out the hydrogen of the acid. 
Thus sulphuric acid, H 2 S(D 4 , may act on the metal potassium and from a salt, 
potassium sulphate, K 2 S0 4 . 

Basic Anhydride. Most of the metals of the chemist may unite with oxy- 
gen, thus forming new chemical compounds called basic anhydride. Thus, the 
metal calcium may combine. with oxygen to form the compound called calcium oxide 
CaO, which is a basic anhydride. This same substance is called quicklime. It 
is generally produced by a method different from that just described; that is, it 
is generally produced by burning limestone. 

Base. Most basic anyhdrides may unite with water to form a new com- 
pound called a base. Thus, quicklime, calcium oxide, CaO, may unite with 
water and form a new compound, a base called slaked lime or calcium hydroxide, 
CaH 2 2 . 

Price, Cost, Value. The price of an article is the amount of money or of 
any commodity demanded by the owner of the article before he will part with it 
to somebody else. Generally speaking, it is easy to learn the price of any article 
offered for sale. 

The cost of an article, generally speaking, is expressible by the amount of some 
kind of money which has been in fact expended, or which might have been 
necessarily expended, in its production. While the owner of an article forms a 
general estimate of the cost of an article, it is often difficult even for him to know 
exactly what it cost. When, however, a person purchases a simple article by a 
single act, he may know the exact cost. 

The word value is used in several senses. An article that costs a person a 
very small sum of money may be of great value to him in saving his life. The 
true value of an article, therefore, is based on its usefulness. In a great many 
cases, however, the word value is used as meaning about the same thing as the 
price set upon it by the seller, or the cost of it to the buyer. 

As respects a fertilizer, the manufacturer may feel that its preparation, produc- 
tion, etc., has cost him a certain sum per ton. He may offer it in the market at 
a certain price per ton. If properly used by the farmer, it may represent a very 
large value to him, as increasing his crops. 

" Good Results on Grass." 

From C. G. Reed, Ashland, Me. 

I have used your Chemical Fertilizer on my grass, and have seen good results and feel 
perfectly satisfied. 

"I shall surely use the same Fertilizer next year." 

From George W. Taylor 2d, Houlton, Me. 

The Fertilizer (Chemical Compound Fertilizer) I got from you to grow my crop of potatoes 
with is O. K. I have dug 95 barrels to the acre all of good marketable size. I am satisfied it 
has done its work as well as you claimed for it, and shall surely use the same Fertilizer next year. 



A Few Chemical Elements and a Few 
Important Compounds. 



Hydrogen. This substance is ordinarily a colorless gas, but by powerful 
pressure and very low temperature it may be changed to a liquid and perhaps, 
even frozen to a solid. 

In a state of combination it exists in a great many substances. 

Water, H 2 O, is composed of hydrogen and oxygen. 

Hydrogen also exists, in a state of combination, in a great many vegetable 
substances such as sugar, starch, woody fibre. Hydrogen is in nearly all animal 
substances, but most of these are of very complex composition. 

Hydrogen is also a constituent of all acids ; for example, it is in sulphuric 
acid, H 3 S 4 ; in phosphoric acid, H 3 P0 4 . Hydrogen also exists in ammo- 
nia gas, a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, N H 3 . 

Carbon. Carbon is proportionally abundant in nature. It is the most 
important constituent of coal, of petroleum, and of many other combustible 
substances. It is also a constituent of most compounds found in animal and 
vegetable substances. When these substances are partly burned, they become 
charred ; that is, the carbon shows as a black substance after some of the other 
substances have been driven off in gas or vapor. Carbon also exists as a part of 
the compound known as limestone. Limestone is calcium carbonate, Ca C 3 . 

In the atmospheric air, carbon is present in a state of combination as a gas 
called carbonic gas, also carbonic acid gas, also carbon dioxide, C0 2 . This 
last formula shows that a very minute portion of the carbonic gas is composed of 
one atom of carbon united with two atoms of oxygen. 

Nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the most remarkable elements with which 
the chemist has to deal. It has been subjected to a vast amount of chemical 
study, not only with respect to its agricultural relations, but also because of its 
occurrence in many important vegetable, animal, and purely artificial substances. 

When nitrogen exists uncombined, it is ordinarily a colorless gas ; but it is 
very inactive chemically. Nitrogen gas not combined with anything else exists 
in the atmosphere. 

In a state of combination, nitrogen is found in a great many substances. 

Nitric acid, HNO„ is a compound of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. 

.«' Two Benefits: Price and Quantity. " 

W. & E. Leonard, Gardeners, West Springfield, Mass., writes: 

We are very much.pleased with the results of using the chemical Tobacco Fertilizer. It has 
been used next to another fertilizer; and of the two we prefer yours, as it is easier to use and 
less trouble to handle, and we receive two benefits, one in price and another in quantity of 
tobacco. Use our names as a testimonial. 



14 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

The substance known as Chili saltpetre, nitrate of soda, and sodium nitrate, 
NaN0 3 , is a compound of sodium, nitrogen and oxygen. 

The substance known as ordinary saltpetre, nitrate of potash, potassium nitrate 
KN0 3 , is a compound of potassium, nitrogen, and oxygen. 

The substance known as ammonia and ammonia gas, NH 3 , is a compound of 
nitrogen and hydrogen. 

Most animal matters contain nitrogen and they also contain hydrogen, as well 
as other substances ; but when these animal matters undergo decay, either in the 
air or in the soil, they are apt to produce ammonia gas. This kind of change 
can be understood from the facts already stated ; namely, that ammonia gas is 
composed of nitrogen and hydrogen and that both these elementary substances 
exist in animal matters. 

When ammonia gas is brought in contract with sulphuric acid, a white solid 
called a salt and more especially designated as sulphate of ammonia or ammo- 
nium sulphate (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 , is formed. 

Often animal matters in the soil undergo a process of decay whereby they turn 
into nitrates. This process is called nitrification. 

In case of stable manure the valuable nitrogenous constitutents are chiefly those 
of urine. 

Tankage is a name applied to a dry shred-like material produced in slaughter 
houses. It is obtained by drying the inferior animal matters, such as entrails, 
incidental to the slaughtering business. It is rich in nitrogen. 

Along the Atlantic coast there are several large establishments using steamers 
for catching fish for fertilizing purposes. The fish are first boiled in large tanks, 
Next the oil is skimmed off. Next the semi-liquid, semi-solid, mass is strained 
and the matter remaining on the strainer is dried. This material consists of the 
fleshy, muscular parts of the fish as well as the bones. When dried it makes a 
brittle material rich in phosphates and nitrogen. 

Not withstanding the abundance of nitrogen in the atmosphere, its condition is 
such, and its properties are so peculiar, that it is of extremely small value as a 
fertilizer. Very few plants can absorb it from the atmosphere. Chemists do not 
know how to turn it into plant food artificially. The fertilizer manufacturers 
therefore must have recourse to compounds containing nitrogen, such as animal 
matters, nitrate of soda, etc. 

From what has been said it is plain that ammonia salts, nitrates, animal mat- 
ters, and indeed other substances containing nitrogen are good fertilizers. 

"Takes three-quarters less than other makes." 
From Fremont Small, Caribou, Me. 

About the Chemical Potato Fertilizer I will say I applied it according to the directions and 
got good results. It has increased my crop one third, all of good size. I am sorry I did not 
use more on my land than I did, as it would have been a good investment. I shall use the 
Chemical again next year, as it is cleaner to use, less trouble to apply, much cheaper, and it 
takes three-quarters less than other makes with better results. 



Gen. Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., Providence, R. I. 



Oxygen. Oxygen is ordinarily a colorless gas. It is the most abundant 
elementary substance existing on this planet, the earth, as far as chemists know. 
In the atmosphere it exists free and uncombined, and it is the sustainer of 
animal respiration ; all animals breathe it ; it is the sustainer of all ordinary 
combustions ; in the burning of wood, coal, kerosene oil, illuminating gas, it is 
requisite to carry on that burning. In forms of chemical combination, it exists 
in a great many compound substances. Thus it is found in such substances as 
water, most vegetable substances, most animal substances, most of the earthy and 
rocky materials of the globe ; indeed chemists think that about one half of the 
weight of our globe consists of oxygen in one form or another. 

Sodium. Sodium is a metal. It is silvery in color, but it is softer than lead 
and melts easier than lead. When exposed to the air it easily takes fire. It 
can be gotten into the metallic form by chemists, though by a difficult process. 
It is a constituent of common salt, the chemical name of this substance being 
sodium chloride, Na CI. (Note that the chemical symbol for sodium is Na.) 
In some cases, proper addition of sodium compounds to the soil is distinctly 
beneficial. 

Magnesium. Magnesium is a silvery white metal found in trade in the form 
of ribbon and in the form of powder, (for flash lights) . Small portions of it are 
easily set on fire, and they burn with a very brilliant white light by combining 
with the oxygen of the air. As the result of this combustion, a white ash is 
formed. This ash is called, by the chemists, magnesia or magnesium oxide, MgO. 

Aluminum. Aluminum is a metal now tolerably well known. A few years 
ago it was a scientific curiosity. It has a bluish white color. It is capable under 
certain circumstances, of combining with oxygen and forming a white powdery 
ash called by the chemists, alumina or aluminum oxide, Al 3 3 . 

Silicon. Silicon is an elementary substance of the class designated by 
chemists as non-metals. The substance as an element, uncombined with any- 
thing else, is difficult to produce, and it is rare ; but silicon in various forms of 
combinations is one of the chief constituents of the earth. It is believed that one 
half of the entire weight of this terrestrial globe is oxygen and that one quarter 

«* Tobacco Crop Surprisingly Large. M 

C. D. Cannon, Windsor Locks, Conn., writes: 

Your Chemical Tobacco and Corn Fertilizer is superior to any I ever used, especially on corn 
and tobacco. I never raised such large corn on my farm before. The tobacco crop is sur- 
prisingly large, very uniform leaves, good weight and color. I shall surely use it again next 
season, as I think it is the best tobacco grower on the market. 

"It is all O. K." 

From George B. Smith, Ashland, Me. 

I have used your Chemical Fertilizers this year, and shall make a special effort to use the 
same again on my farm, as I think it is all O. K. 



A 



16 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

♦'Best Tobacco Grower Ever Introduced." 

A. N. Graves, Suffield, Conn., writes: 

I am ready to pay you for the fertilizer sent to me on its merits, I am sorry I did not take 
your advice in accepting enough for all my land. I would have saved several hundred dollars. 
I claim it the best tobacco grower ever introduced in this county. I have the finest and largest 
crop of tobacco I ever raised. I inquire from my neighbors who have used your fertilizers, 
and they all speak of it as I do. I should like to have the agency in this town to sell it next 
year. 

41 Will Use it on all His Crops." 

Andrew Tracy, Windsor Locks, Conn., writes: 

Your Chemical Tobacco Fertilizer answered my purpose satisfactorily. I used it next to an- 
other fertilizer which cost me more money. Yours was much the cheaper. I shall use it again 
next year on all my crops. 

is silicon. Silicon exists in the state of combination in most mineral and earthy 
substances. 

The chemical compound of silicon most worthy of mention at the outset, is 
that called silica or silicon oxide, Si0 3 . The substance known as quartz and 
as "crystal" is practically pure silicon oxide. (Occasionally silicon oxide is 
called silicic acid. This is an inexact term.) 

Silicon oxide, Si 3 , is an acid anhydride. 

Silicic acid, H 2 Si0 3 , is an acid. 

Sodium silicate, Na 3 Si0 3 , is a salt. 

A very large proportion of the earthy material of our globe is made up of sili- 
cates. These silicates are very complex in their structure, so that they cannot be 
explained fully here ; but we may mention that clay is a silicate, so is slate, shale, 
felspar, and other minerals. 

Compounds of silicon must be classed as plant food. They are almost invari- 
ably taken up by growing plants and distributed more or less through the structure. 
Sometimes the silicates are very important as adding mechanical strength to stalks 
of plants. Bamboo is an example of a vegetable stalk, which has a glassy shell on 
its outside, containing a considerable quantity of silicon compounds. But silicon 
compounds are so abundant in the earth that the farmer never needs to buy them 
for application to the soil. 

Phosphorus. Phosphorus is an elementary substance belonging to the class 
of non-metals. When pure it is a soft, translucent, waxy solid. If this solid be 
exposed to the air at ordinary temperatures, it is liable to take fire of itself, unit- 
ing with oxygen of the air. In the process of combustion heat and light are pro- 
duced, and there is also formed a white powdery smoke which may settle on level 
surfaces as a snow-like deposit. The substance is called phosphoric oxide, phos- 
phorus pentoxide, phosphoric anhydride, P 2 5 . (It is sometimes improperly 
called phosphoric acid.) 



Gen. Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., Providence, R. I. 17 

" What Mr. Jenkins, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment 
Station, said. " 

A. D. Nooney, Suffield, Conn., writes: 

I was induced to use your tobacco fertilizer through your agent, he agreeing to send it sub- 
ject to my approval, one or five tons. So I made up my mind that if there was a fertilizer 
manufacturer who dared to put his goods on the market on their merits, I would favor him with 
a fair trial. I secured enough for one acre and used nothing else. Well, it surprised me. I 
never saw such a tobacco nourisher. It excelled any fertilizer I ever used. I claim the largest 
crop in weight and size in this town, quality fine, color good. I claim it a new discovery which 
will take the lead in this state as a tobacco grower. July 25, 1894, I called personally upon the 
Vice-Director, Mr. E. H. Jenkins, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, to inquire 
whether there was anything in this chemical fertilizer that would injure the tobacco. He said 
there was nothing; it was a safe fertilizer to use in every respect. I shall use it again, and 
will indorse it as the best tobacco fertilizer on the market. 

Almost all compounds of phosphorus are of service as fertilizers for plants; but 
since phosphorus compounds are not abundant in the earth and since growing 
plants exhaust the phosphates from the soil, it is desirable to furnish artificially 
some phosphorus compounds. To the farmer the question is largely one of price. 
Now the price of phosphorus compounds varies with their character. Generally 
speaking, the price is less in case of those compounds that are in large hard lumps 
and that are but slightly soluble in water. Evidently these are less valuable than 
those forms in which the substance is finely pulverized and is readily soluble in 
water. 

The chief phosphates available for agricultural use are the following : First, 
the hard rocky deposits found in Canada called apatite. These are not easily 
absorbed by the plant unless they are very finely pulverized and have been ren- 
dered soluble by the action of acid. Second, the Florida phosphates and the 
South Carolina phosphates. The South Carolina phosphates are chiefly in the 
form of nodules ; lumps of moderate size. The Florida phosphates are of two 
kinds, the rock deposits of the north and the pebble deposits of the south. 

Thomas Slag. This is a mineral product produced artificially in certain 
iron furnaces. Before becoming available for the plant it needs to be pulverized 
or treated with acid. 

Bone. Unground bone is of little value as a fertilizer, although it is rich in 
phosphate. Unground bone is so little affected by water that it may be called 
practically insoluble. Bone of this character, therefore, may remain on the soil 
a long time without nourishing the plant. If the bone is finely ground, it thereby 
becomes slightly more soluble in water. Ground bone is therefore a valuable 
fertilizer. Its effects though slow, are lasting. When ground bone is treated 
with sulphuric acid, the chemical composition changes and the phosphates, 
become soluble in water. Bone so treated is in common terms called superphos- 
phate. Sometimes it is spoken of as acid phosphate or as available phosphate. 
It dissolves so readily in the water of the soil that the rootlets of the plant can 
absorb it readily. It therefore produces prompt and valuable effects. 



A 



18 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

Bone black, bone coal, bone char, are names applied to a form of bone used 
by sugar refiners. After its refining power is exhausted, it is sold to the fertilizer 
manufacturer. It is evidently a form of bone, only it contains carbon and certain 
other impurities not present in bone that has been thoroughly burned. 

Unburnt Bone. Unburnt bone contains gelatinous matters distributed 
through it. These are of some value on account of the nitrogen contained in them. 

Guano. Guano, which is the dried excrement of birds, is easily pulverized 
and contains phosphates in a useful form, but its value depends largely on the 
nitrogen compounds contained in it. 

Fish Scrap contains a large amount of bone, and nitrogenous matter in 
addition. 

Phosphates are so valuable for agricultural purposes that the world has been 
ransacked for the purpose of securing them. 

Phosphorus forms a great variety of chemical compounds. Like other non- 
metals, it forms a certain series of compounds. The following may be men- 
tioned : 

An acid anhydride, phosphoric anhydride, P 3 5 . 

An acid, phosphoric acid, H 3 P 4 . 

A series of salts, like sodium phosphate, Na 3 P0 4 . 

The salts of phosphoric acid are too varied and complex to be discussed at 
length here. 

Soluble phosphate is practically any phosphate that is easily soluble in water. 
Insoluble phosphate is practically any phosphate that is not easily soluble in 
water. (So-called insoluble phosphate is not absolutely incapable of being 
dissolved. Very small quantities will dissolve in water, but this is accomplished 
so slowly and to such small degree, as to be of little consequence to the farmer.) 
Reverted phosphate is that which has once been soluble, but by reason of 
certain chemical influences, has been changed to an insoluble form. While it is 
not easily soluble in water, it dissolves to some extent. In the acid liquids of 
the soil it often dissolves with tolerable freedom, so that for agricultural purposes, 
a reverted phosphate is practically as valuable as a soluble phosphate. Reverted, 
means turned back or gone back. It is assumed that all reverted phosphate was 
previously soluble phosphate. 

The term, available phosphate, is one used in agriculture, to include at the 
same time, the soluble and the reverted. 

" Made Grass Grow Under Trees. " 

Patrick Reynolds, Gardener, Newport, R. I., writes: 

I used your lawn dressing, giving surprising results, making the grass grow under trees, also 
producing a dark green color which attracted much attention. I shall use it again and recom- 
mend it to others, as it is the cleanest and only odorless fertilizer on the market fit to use, 
especially around the residence. 



Gen. Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., Providence. R. I. 



Sulphur. Sulphur is an elementary substance. It is a non-metal. It is 
familiarly known as a brittle, yellow solid. By moderate addition of heat it may 
be easily melted to a liquid. By addition of more heat it easily changes to a 
vapor. It easily takes fire when heated, by this process of combustion forming 
a gas having a choking odor, the same as that produced when a sulphur match 
begins to burn. The gas referred to is a compound of sulphur and oxygen. It 
is called sulphurous acid, sulphurous anhydride, sulphur dioxide, SO.,. 

By special chemical processes, sulphur forms with oxygen, another compound, 
called sulphuric anhydride, sulphur trioxide, S0 3 . 

A few of the chemical compounds of sulphur with oxygen may be stated in 
the following tables : 

First Series. 
An acid anhydride, sulphurous anhydride, S 2 . 
An acid, sulphurous acid, H 3 S0. 3 
Salts, like sodium sulphite, Na 2 S0 3 . 

Second Series. 

An acid anhydride, sulphuric anhydride, S0 3 . 

An acid, sulphuric acid, H 3 S0 4 . 

Salts, like sodium sulphate, Na 3 S0 4 

Sulphur forms many other compounds, but they need not be mentioned here. 

Sulphuric acid is a very powerful acid and is very largely used in chemical 
manufactures. Great quantities of it are used in the manufacture of fertilizers, 
for the purpose of decomposing insoluble phosphates and turning them into 
soluble phosphates. 

Sulphur is to a moderate extent a plant food, but the demands of plants for 
it are generally easily supplied without the necessity of the farmer's supplying it 
to the soil. 

Chlorine. Chlorine is an element. It is a non-metal. When specially 
prepared by the chemist, it is ordinarily a greenish gas. It has a very choking 
odor. It has strong bleaching powers. It is an important constituent of the 
substance called bleaching powder or chloride of lime. The chlorine in the 
bleaching powder is the efficient bleaching agent. Chlorine exists in the earth 
in a state of combination in rock salt. Pure common salt is a compound of 
sodium and chlorine, called sodium chlorine, NaCl. 

From a Firm of very large Distributors in Maine. 

From FlNSON & Loane, Ashland, Me. Builder's Hardware, Iron, Steel, Stoves and Tinware, 
Farm Machinery, Lumbermen's Supplies, Paints, Oils and Varnishes. 

We have distributed the Chemical Fertilizer sent to us on its merits to eight different farmers, 
and the reports received proved very satisfactory. 

We hope in another year to do a large business in this line, as our soil needs just such an. 
article to produce large crops. 



A 



20 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

" Tobacco 2,000 lbs. Per Acre. " 

George N. Thompson, Suffield, Conn., writes: 

With your Chemical Tobacco Fertilizer I have raised nine acres of as large a crop of 
tobacco as was ever raised along this road. My tobacco will weigh, after being cured and 
stripped, about 2,000 pounds to the acre. This is several hundred pounds larger than last 
year. I always used cotton seed with cotton hull ashes, costing about $42. per acre, against 
yours of only $25. I claim you have the best fertilizer for tobacco on the market. I shall use 
it again; and you can use my name indorsing it. (Tobacco leaf, thirty-eight inches.) 

Potassium. Potassium is an elementary substance. It is a metal. It is 
light in weight, lighter than water even. If exposed to the air it very easily com- 
bines with oxygen from the atmosphere. Potassium compounds exist in the earth 
very widely distributed, almost everywhere in fact ; but the amounts in any one 
place, with one exception, are very small. The exception referred to is the region 
about Stassfurt in Germany. At Stassfurt are mines yielding large quantities of 
potassium compounds, mixed or combined with other substances. It is from 
these mines that the so-called German potash salts are derived. The material 
taken out of the earth is brought to the surface and subjected to chemical pro- 
cesses which accomplish a purification of it. Then these potash salts in various 
forms are sent into commerce for use in agriculture. 

The principal commercial forms of German potash salts are the following.: 

Per Cent, of Potash. 

Kainite, 13-54 

Muriate of potash, 5148 

Sulphate of potash (high grade), 33-4-0 

Sulphate of potash and magnesia, 2 5-5° 

Sylvinite 16.65 

Carnallite, 13.68 

Since, as has been said before, potassium compounds exist in the soil in very 
small quantities, and moreover since they are essential to plant growth, it is highly 
desirable that they should be supplied to the soil in the form of artificial fertilizers. 
The agricultural chemist has ransacked the world for cheap supplies of potassium 
compounds for these purposes. Practically the only original sources are the 
German potash salts and the various kinds of wood ashes. In commercial fer- 
tilizers, potassium salts are introduced by the manufacturer, his source of supply 
generally being German potash salts. 

Potassium forms a great many compounds. Only a few can be mentioned here : 

A basic anhydride, potassium oxide, K 2 0. 

A base, potassium hydroxide, KOH. 

Salts like potassium sulphate, K 2 S0 4 . 

Potassium carbonate, K 2 C0 3 . 

(Observe that the chemical symbol for the metal potassium is K.) 

Most land plants, when burned, contain a moderate amount of potassium 
compounds in the ashes. These compounds have been withdrawn from the soil 



Gen. Agents: MASON, CHAPIN & CO., Providence, R. I. 



21 



"Not an Experiment an Investment. " 

J. 0. Haskins, Suffield, Conn., writes : 

Your Tobacco Fertilizer is all you claim for it. It produced as good a crop for $25. per acre 
as cotton seed meal and ashes which cost me $46., and the tobacco has a better color. I also 
used your corn fertilizer on twelve acres. It has given me the largest yield Holden Canada 
corn of any fertilizer I ever used; the largest, fullest ears I ever saw. I shall use it again, no 
as an experiment but as an investment. 

"Much easier to apply." 

From James W. Taylor, Houlton, Me. 

The Chemical Potato Fertilizer bought of you last June gave me a very satisfactory crop, of 

good size, and I find it cheaper than the Fertilizer and much easier to apply. I shall 

use it again next year. 



by the growth of the plant. The soil has thereby been impoverished. If the 
ashes are returned to the soil, the potassium compounds are also returned to 
serve for new crop. 

The seed of the cotton plant, which was formerly thrown away, is now fully 
utilized. The first process is removing the hulls. The second process is press- 
ing the kernel, so as to extract the oil and to leave the "pomace" or "cake." 
The hulls are burned and they leave an ash, rich in potassium compounds, and 
useful as a fertilizer. 

The oil is clarified and bleached, and is largely used in cooking as a substitute 
for lard. It is also used as a salad oil. 

The cake or pomace is used as a food for cattle. 

The various portions of a tree or other plant contain varying amounts of 
potassium compounds. The more highly organized parts, such as the seeds, 
fruits and leaves, contain relatively more than the lower organized parts such as 
the wood. The percentage is usually expressed in terms of potash, an old- 
fashioned word, but still largely used. The exact chemical substance meant by 
this term potash, is named by the chemist, potassium oxide, K 3 O. 

Per Cent, of Potash. 
Ashes, wood, leached, . . . . . . . 1.27 



Ashes, wood, unleached, 
Cotton hull ashes, 
Seaweed ashes, . 
Spent tan bark, . 
Tobacco stalks, . 
Tobacco stems, . 



5.25 
22.75 
1.50 
2.04 
5.02 
8.20 



Calcium. Calcium is a metal. It is difficult of manufacture and has in the metal 
form few if any commercial uses. It is the metallic basis of limestone, and lime- 
stones are very abundant in the earth. Limestone is called carbonate of lime 
or calcium carbonate, CaCO :i . While it contains calcium, that metal is held in 



A 



22 THE CHEMICAL COMPOUND FERTILIZERS. 

such a fornvof chemical combination that its metallic qualities are for the time 
being lost. 

Limestones, and other lime materials containing calcium, are plant foods, but 
they are so abundant that they rarely have to be added to the soil by the farmer. 
There are two forms of calcium compounds that are considerably used, and to 
great advantage. The first is burnt lime, called quicklime, also calcic oxide, CaO. 
The second is gypsum, called land plaster, and calcium sulphate, CaS0 4 . 

Calcium forms a great many compounds known to chemists but only a few 
need mention here : 

A basic anhydride, calcium oxide, lime, CaO. 

A base, calcium hydroxide, slacked lime, Ca0 2 H 2 . 

Salts, like calcium sulphate (gypsum) CaS0 4 . 

Calcium carbonate (limestone), CaC0 3 . 

Iron. Iron is a metal which is well known in the arts in several forms 
such as wrought iron, cast iron, steel. All these differ in slight but important 
chemical features from the purest metallic iron of the chemist. Iron compounds 
exist widely diffused through the soil. Indeed they are the common coloring 
matters of almost all rocks and soils. That iron compounds are plentiful, is 
proved by the fact that the ashes of almost all plants contain iron compounds ; 
but it is practically never necessary for the farmers to supply such compounds to 
the soil. 

" The Best Fertilizer Ever Placed in This County. " 

From Rice & Miller, large wholesale dealers, Bangor, Me., 

Gentlemen : — We wish to inform you that the Chemical Fertilizer shipped to us to be dis- 
tributed to different agents in Aroostook Co. has won a reputation of which you may well feel 
proud. The writer happened to be called on business to visit the potato growing district, 
where your goods were shipped. The reports given me were not only surprising but very 
valuable both to the farmer and to your agents. It produced a larger increase of growth than 
any other fertilizer. 

These reports were given me from the farmers and also from those who have grown to be 
the leading merchants of this county, who have sold other fertilizers for years, and they say 
yours is the best ever placed in this county. 

We are satisfied with the assistance of your Mr. Bruck, and think we ought to sell several 
carloads this coming year. 



"CorD Fertilizer Better Thau Others." 

S. D. Rockwell, Ware House Point, writes : 

Your Corn Fertilizer worked satisfactorily; worked full as well, and I think better than many 
others that I ever used. I will use it next year. 

" More Pounds to the Acre Than Ever Before. " 

M. Doughney, Sufneld, Conn., writes: 

I am much pleased with your fertilizer. My tobacco will weigh more pounds to the acre 
than ever before in my experience as a tobacco grower. I will give you a plant to send home, 
showing your folks the results of their fertilizers. 



Clean, White, Powdered, Odorless. 



Fertilizers 



MANUFACTURED BY 



The Chemical Compound Fertilizer Co, 

Of New York, Boston, Providence, R. I., 
Dighton, Mass., Coventry, R. I. 



Chemical Compound Tobacco Fertilizer. 

Chemical Compound Corn Fertilizer. 
Chemical Compound Vegetable Fertilizer. 

Chemical Compound Lawn Fertilizer. 



Not for use in hill and drill ; 

To be spread broadcast and harrowed in. 



We also furnish other Agricultural Materials, such as : 
MURIATE OF POTASH, KAINIT, 

SULPHATE OF POTASH, SYLVINIT, 

DOUBLE MANURE SALT, fKIESERIT, 
AND OTHER POTASH MANURE SALTS; 
GROUND BONE; NITRATE SODA; 
SULPHATE AMMONIA, ETC. 



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■•1 



Chemical Compound 
Fertilizers. 



"$20. Per Acre Cheaper Than any Other." 

L. J. Denison, Ware House Point, writes : 

Your Tobacco Fertilizer gave me as good a crop as any fertilizer I ever used, and $20. per 
acre cheaper than any other tobacco fertilizer used this year. My tobacco has a good color, 
large leaves. I shall use it again next year in preference to all others. 



"Corn Fertilizer is a Rusher." "Finest Crop of Tobacco 
in the County. " 

B. W. Lord, Ware House Point, writes : 

I am glad you called to see my crop before I cut it down. I think it is the finest crop of 
tobacco in this county. I have given the fertilizer a fair test. It will raise tobacco cheaper 
than with cotton seed and hull ashes, and save me $21. per acre. Your corn fertilizer is a 
rusher. I shall use more of your fertilizers next year. 



" Is going- to be the favorite Fertilizer in this County." 

From James H. Glenn, Caribou, Me., Dealer in Hardware, Iron, etc. 

Some of the best farmers in this town gave it a fair trial in connection with (he other Com- 
mercial Fertilizers, and thus far reports received convinces me it is going to be the favorite 
Fertilizer in this County, as it produces the quantity and quality. 

will more than double my order next year, and will handle no other but the Chemical. 

" I shall hereafter use no other." 

FromC. B. Weaver, Ashland, Me. 

I have used your Potato Fertilizer on my beans, and am pleased to say it showed good 
results. I am satisfied it has increased my crop, and shall hereafter use no other. 



General Agents: MASON, CHAP1N 8c CO., 

PROVIDENCE, R. I. 



It beats all ! 



One Beet Weighed 25 1-2 lbs., from soil, 

—Length over all, 4 ft. 11 inches, 
—Length of beet, 3 6 inches. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 762 292 6 • 




MANGLES 

raised with 

Chemical Compound Fertilizer. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



DDDETbEE^Eb • 



i 



